May 8, 2018

Packaging for over 1.2 billion Henkel products contained recycled material in 2017

More recycled material in Henkel packaging than ever before

Düsseldorf – From Pattex to Perwoll, the packaging for over 1.2 billion consumer products made by Henkel included recycled material in 2017. The achievement demonstrates the company’s commitment to improving the sustainability of its packaging across all brands and categories. 

Three principles for sustainable packaging
“We follow three principles for sustainable packaging,” says Prof. Dr. Thomas Müller-Kirschbaum, Head of Global Research and Development in Henkel’s Laundry & Home Care business unit. “First, we want to reduce the amount of packaging we use. Second, we’re adapting our packaging to contain more recycled material and make it easier to recycle. This will build momentum toward the ‘circular economy’ – where materials are gathered after use and can be reintegrated into new production processes over and over again.”

By pursuing these three principles across its entire business worldwide, Henkel is aiming to make a larger total contribution to sustainable packaging. The over 1.2 billion consumer products with packaging containing recycled material include examples from all areas of Henkel’s uniquely diverse portfolio. The bottle and applicator nozzle for Pattex “Made At Home” all-purpose glue, for instance, are made from 100 percent recycled material. As an example from Henkel’s Beauty Care business unit, the bottles used for the Syoss hair care shampoo range now include 25 percent recycled plastic, and the material has an 80 percent lower carbon footprint than comparable new material. Similarly, the Lovables laundry detergent brand also comes in bottles that are made from 100 percent recycled plastic. 

In March, Henkel announced a new partnership with the non-governmental organization Waste Free Oceans to collect plastic waste from oceans and rivers. This collaboration builds on Henkel’s existing activities related to sustainable packaging and recycling, such as its partnership with the social enterprise Plastic Bank, which aims to stop ocean plastic and provide opportunities for people in poverty.

Cross-industry initiatives to tackle challenges in sustainable packaging
Product packaging fulfills important functions like ensuring hygiene and providing space for information about safe and sustainable product use. However, one challenge is that recycled plastic is not available in sufficient quantity and quality. It can, for example, carry undesirable odors that affect the product. Henkel’s experts are engaged in several cross-industry initiatives to drive progress toward solutions for these challenges. One example is the New Plastics Economy, a three-year initiative led by the Ellen MacArthur Foundation that brings key stakeholders together to redesign the future of plastics. Henkel is also participating in CEFLEX, a consortium of around 50 European companies and organizations aiming to make flexible packaging – which consists of multiple layers of film or foil that are often difficult to separate – easier to recycle. 

“Progress toward sustainability in packaging will only be possible if organizations from all stages in the packaging value chain work together,” says Müller-Kirschbaum. “By sharing our knowledge, we can develop innovative technologies and identify improvements to infrastructure that make packaging easier to recycle around the world.”

More information about Henkel’s approach to sustainable packaging can be found at www.henkel.com/sustainability/positions/packaging

About Henkel
Henkel operates globally with a well-balanced and diversified portfolio. The company holds leading positions with its three business units in both industrial and consumer businesses thanks to strong brands, innovations and technologies. Henkel Adhesive Technologies is the global leader in the adhesives market – across all industry segments worldwide. In its Laundry & Home Care and Beauty Care businesses, Henkel holds leading positions in many markets and categories around the world. Founded in 1876, Henkel looks back on more than 140 years of success. In 2017, Henkel reported sales of 20 billion euros and adjusted operating profit of around 3.5 billion euros. Combined sales of the respective top brands of the three business units – Loctite, Schwarzkopf and Persil – amounted to 6.4 billion euros. Henkel employs more than 53,000 people globally – a passionate and highly diverse team, united by a strong company culture, a common purpose to create sustainable value, and shared values. As a recognized leader in sustainability, Henkel holds top positions in many international indices and rankings. Henkel’s preferred shares are listed in the German stock index DAX. For more information, please visit www.henkel.com.

Contact	Rabea Laakmann	Hanna Philipps
Phone	+49 211 797-69 76	+49 211 797-36 26
Email	rabea.laakmann@henkel.com	hanna.philipps@henkel.com                               	
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